More information for women suffering from hemorrhoids

Did you know there is a type of ‘hemorrhoids’ unique to women?

Message from the Clinic Director to women suffering from hemorrhoids

About one in every three Japanese people suffer from hemorrhoids.Even though the word ‘hemorrhoids’ often clumps together various types of hemorrhoids together as a whole, in reality there is a wide range of hemorrhoids and where they are located that varies greatly between men and women.These develop due to various causes, such as the body’s composition, one’s muscle strength and lifestyle choices, but the main cause of hemorrhoids is childbirth.The muscle pressure imparted on the anus during childbirth is many times that felt when defecating.This causes many women to develop hemorrhoids.However, whether it is due to the busy lifestyle women face after childbirth raising their child and looking after the home, or whether it is due to their persevering nature, when sensing something is off many women either ignore the issue, not having to time to get themselves checked at the hospital, or settle for applying creams and ointments from a pharmacy until eventually the pain fades away.Maybe this is due to a prevailing sense that hemorrhoids are an issue that faces men that cannot effect women as well.However, hemorrhoids caused by childbirth that clear up on their own, or sometimes go by unnoticed, can sometimes reappear decades later.Unfortunately, as a complete recovery from hemorrhoids at an old age can be extremely difficult, we urge all women experiencing concerns or symptoms around the anus after childbirth to come in for treatment as soon as possible.Besides childbirth, constipation and diarrhea, or experiencing muscle pains or cold sensations while defecating can also cause hemorrhoids, so it is important to always be keenly aware when symptoms emerge. The Minato Shiba Clinic provides hemorrhoids treatment that “does not cause pain”, “does not result in bleeding” and “keeps stress at an absolute minimum”.If you continue to experience concerns or symptoms around the anus, please come in for check up as soon as possible.Visiting a hospital for hemorrhoids is nothing to be embarrassed about.Hemorrhoids is no different from any other medical condition as it is best to detect and treat the issue as early as possible.We recommend everyone experiencing symptoms that concern them to get themselves checked and treated by a doctor as soon as possible.

Types of hemorrhoids and how they differ

Hemorrhoids can largely be divided into three main types.

Hemorrhoids

“Blind piles” is when part of a blood vessel forms a bump due to a worsening of the blood flow in the bottom.This can be further divided into “internal piles” and “external piles” depending on whether these hemorrhoids form in the rectum or the anus.Under the mucous membrane surrounding the anus is a congregation of blood vessels called the venous plexus, which functions as sort of a cushion closing up the anus.When a strong force is imparted on this region the supporting tissue supporting this cushion is pulled, extending the cushion. This causes bleeding which can, on occasion, pass out of the anus. These are referred to as “blind piles”.The type of hemorrhoids that many women faces are “blind piles” caused by strong labor pains during child birth.In particularly severe cases, these “blind piles” may extend outside the anus to form what is known as a “prolapse of the anus”.While in the initial stages blind piles can retreat naturally back within the anus when pressure is relieved when defecating, progressing from this point may prevent the retreat of blind piles without forcing blind piles back in with a finger.If symptoms worsen further, the blind piles may remain outside the anus causing serious pain, and impeding the blood flow or worsening vascular insufficiency.Even if you experience bleeding without pain, consider the possibility that you might have blind piles.

Bleeding piles

“Bleeding piles” are also referred to as an anal fissure, and as the name suggests, refer to the cutting or tearing of the mucous membrane of the anus.Hard feces from constipation can damage the mucous membrane of the anus, causing pain and bleeding.The feeling of sharp pain can result in people resisting bowel movements, causing a vicious cycle to repeat where they are continually suffering from constipation. further injuring or rupturing the mucous membrane.This results in pain and bleeding whenever defecating.Repeatedly suffering from “bleeding piles” can thicken and harden the mucous membrane of the anus.This, in turn, narrows the anal sphincter to a point where only the little finger can barely pass through.As anoplastic surgery may be required at this point, it is highly recommended that you get checked by a doctor as soon as possible if you notice bleeding.While both men and women can suffer from bleeding piles, this issues tends to occur more frequently in men due to the comparative weakness of their anal sphincter.There has been a recent increase in homes using toilets with bidet functionality. Greater care must be applied when using bidet functions as they may make bleeding symptoms harder to notice.Bleeding accompanied with pain is a distinctive feature of bleeding piles.

Anal fistula

The infection of the anal canal with E. coli or some other bacteria results in an anal abscess where pus builds up around the anus.“Anal fistula” refers to when this anal abscess does not heal, producing a tunnel from which this pus runs out.The pus built up around the anus can cause inflammation, resulting in a fever or pains. If left unchecked, the pus can leave the anus causing an eczema or dermatitis.When left untreated, a tunnel is formed under the skin, which passes the pus outside the anus.This can form hard spots and swelling around the anus, with the continued oozing of pus soiling the area around the anus.While these are the typical symptoms of an anal fistula, at this point the issue will not resolve itself naturally on its own.Consult a specialist doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.The vast majority of sufferers from anal fistula are men.

Causes of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be caused by the following factors.

Constipation

When constipated, the fecal matter built up within the intestines applies pressure to the anal region, worsening blood circulation.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea results in a stronger force being applied compared to regular bowel movements, causing stress on the rectal mucous membrane and the anus that may result in damage.Additionally, fecal matter adhering to depressions in the anal region can be a major cause of anal fistula.

Cold

Cold leading to blood congestions in the anal region can induce hemorrhoids.

Stimulants

Tobacco is a vasoconstrictor that is not good for hemorrhoids.Excessive alcohol consumption and spicy foods can also place stress on the anal region.

Mental health

One’s mental health is greatly related to the strength of their immune system.This is because a decline in mental health dulls bodily functions that work to keep the body in peak condition.A compromised immune system makes the body more susceptible to bacteria, which presents a major cause of anal fistula.

Environment

Avoiding going the toilet during an oncoming bowel movement hardens the feces, and makes it harder to defecate without excessive straining.This can cause bleeding piles or blind piles.

Preventing hemorrhoids

Broadly speaking, hemorrhoids are a lifestyle disease which requires improvements to one’s eating habits and bowel habits for prevention.It is important reevaluate and improve one’s lifestyle habits, because you run the risk of developing hemorrhoids again after treatment if you repeat the same lifestyle habits.

Strive to establish and maintain regular bowel movements

It is important to go to the toilet without holding back when you feel the need, and to refrain from continually straining too hard when on the toilet.Furthermore, strive to maintain a daily lifestyle that does not involve extreme constipation-inducing diets, or the over consumption of alcohol and other stimulants that cause diarrhea, while also exercising appropriately to facilitate bowel function.

Improve your eating habits

It is important to take control of your surrounding environment to prevent the onset of hemorrhoids by consistently eating breakfast, regularly relieving your bowels, eating yogurt and other foods that help clear your intestinal environment, increasing good bacteria and incorporating burdock, seaweed, mushrooms and other aqueous fibers into your diet while also consuming plenty of water (around eight cups a day).＊Caution is needed to not consume excessive amounts of potato, sweet potato and other insoluble fibers as these can lead to constipation.

Keep the area around the anus clean

Leaving the anal region unclean may induce or exacerbate hemorrhoids. The effective use of bidets and disinfectant solutions and the like to keep the area around the anus clean can help prevent hemorrhoids.Taking baths are also an effective way to improve blood circulation.

Reducing the load on your bottom

It is important to avoid maintaining the same posture for long hours on end, and to avoid over exhaustion and stress.Due care is also required when cooling the bottom, as this can also lead to hemorrhoids.